Warhammer 40K: Space Marine Adventures – ‘Tyranid Attack!’ Target Exclusive Arrives
Want a way to get your friends to dip their toe into Warhammer 40,000? Space Marine Adventures: Tyranid Attack! sets the stage for just that.
I’ve been saying for a while that Warhammer 40,000 needs more co-op experiences. Simple game modes that pit you and some friends against the horrors of the Grimark Universe seems like a winner. Initially I was thinking we’d see more missions or alternative play modes for 40k propper. But I think Space Marine Adventures: Tyranid Attack! might be a good start.
This boxed game joins the other “small box” games line-up from Games Workshop. You know the ones. They are designed as entry points for new players and are typically found in big retail chain stores. Space Marine Adventure: Tyranid Attack! is going to be a Target exclusive in the US for now. And honestly, it seems like a good gateway product.
Space Marine Adventures: The Grimdark Gateway
“Space Marine Adventures: Tyranid Attack! is a fast-paced game for one to four players which pits a squad of Space Marines against a horde of ferocious Tyranids that have infested a derelict space hulk.
You’ll tackle each level of the space hulk in turn, taking on ever-increasing odds with your friends and teaming up to tackle an epic campaign. This requires you to triumph against all three levels in one marathon game that will test your skills to the limit as you battle waves of enemies before facing off against the Tyranid Prime.”
This really doesn’t sound all that “heavy” of a game. It’s rather straightforward and you’re basically just teaming-up with your friends to take on hordes of Tyranids. There’s also the obvious tie-in with the Space Marine Board Game featuring Lieutenant Titus.
The Tyranid Attack! box also comes with a card that allows you to use Lieutenant Titus from the Space Marine: The Board Game box in your games, too. Also, if you notice from the contents, there doesn’t look like there are any Tyranid Miniatures included — just tokens. Well, Space Marine: The Board Game comes with a bunch of Termagants. I’m sure you can work something out…
The game does come with five Space Marines from various chapters. These are all push-fit miniatures so you’ll be able to assemble them pretty fast and start playing. I’d still want to bust out the hobby tools and plastic glue, but you probably won’t need to go that far if your brand new to this whole hobby.
Space Marine Adventures For …Everyone?
The cynical part of my brain must be active right now because I keep asking myself: “Who is this for, exactly?” The answer is on the front of the box: Ages 12+ and 1-4 players. This game is really meant for anyone to pick-up and play a few rounds and just blast some space bugs with your friends.
And yes, I know that lore-wise it doesn’t really make sense for these five random Space Marines to come together to clear out a Space Hulk. If they were Deathwatch members I would be a bit more accepting. But that has to be an intentional choice, right? Because this game isn’t targeted at veteran players like myself who already have collections and know the lore. This is a gateway product for people to pick-up at Target — a place with a growing board game section that is typically right next to the Toys section. Gee, I wonder why…
Let’s also remember that Space Marine II is coming out later this year. There’s going to be a lot of buzz around Space Marines in September. Why not get a board game out in the market a couple weeks before launch just to plant those seeds. There’s a reason you get the Lieutenant Titus card in the Space Marine Adventures: Tyranid Attack! box afterall.
This might be a quick marketing stunt to raise awareness. But, if I’m being honest, I think this is still a good idea. Warhammer needs more co-op games and I’m all for games that bring people together to play. If you’re a parent and you’re looking for a way to get your kids in the hobby this seems tailor made for you. Playing alongside them is a much easier sell than playing against them. And even if you’re an older, more cynical gamer it’s still an appealing idea: grab some buds and go space bug blastin’ in a chill game for 30 minutes. That seems like a good pitch to me!
I also kinda like the five different sculpts…Hobby brain activated!
